By Olubori Oduntan
Federal government has released the list of agro-commodities and items not allowed into the country.
The list was released by the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS).
A statement issued by the Head of Media and Public Relations at the agency, Dr. Gozie Nwodo, disclosed that the list was released as a result of complaints from some NAQS clients, that agricultural commodities they were bringing into Nigeria were confiscated or destroyed by its officers.
According to the complainants, there is no clear communication from NAQS regarding products that are permissible for import.
As a result, the agency said it was releasing the list to address the issue, urging clients dissatisfied with services rendered at any of its stations to mail their complaints or enquiries via: [email protected] or call 0807 777 8943, 0809 133 3385.
NAQS said the items currently not allowed into Nigeria include cassava cuttings, soil, biocontrol agents, Genetically Modifies Organisms (GMOs), fresh meat/carcass, frozen poultry, poultry eggs, poisonous fish of the following families: Tetradontidea, Molidae, Diodontidae and Cantigasteridae, fish containing biotoxins, and radioactive fish or their product.
However, the agency stressed that the, “Import Prohibition List is a very dynamic subject, which changes regularly, depending on pests/diseases prevalence, trade and other considerations.”
It said further that, “For export, clients are to please note that countries reserve the right to prohibit some items, based on their interests, and inform quarantine authorities of partnering countries accordingly.
“Example is the resent ban earlier this year by the Sudanese government on some agro-commodities.
“Therefore, the rule of thumb remains to contact NAQS for guidance preparatory to import or export of any agricultural commodity.
“NAQS exists to serve Nigeria and Nigerians whilst abiding by international norms and conventions to which we, as a nation, are signatory.”
Adedapo Adesanya